Ferguson slams referee Dowd

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has claimed referee Phil Dowd "could not keep up" with the pace of his side's draw 1-1 with Arsenal.

In a feisty game at the Emirates Stadium, Theo Walcott's early strike was cancelled out by Robin van Persie's penalty as both sides were forced to share the spoils on Sunday.

Five Manchester United players were booked during the match, with Van Persie, Jonny Evans, Phil Jones, Rafael and Antonio Valencia all cautioned. However, Ferguson did not agree with Dowd's assessment of the match and criticised him for booking so many players.

"Arsenal set off at a fantastic pace, very aggressive and a lot of tackles," Ferguson told Sky Sports.

"The referee just could not keep up at that point. When we had a foul, he booked us straight away. We had five players booked.

"We have got probably the best disciplinary record in the country. For Manchester United to have five players booked, I do not think that is right."

Ferguson also believed his side should have won the game, blaming missed chances in the second half for United's failure to take the three points.

He added: "We expected a tough game and we got a tough game. Arsenal are fighting for the Champions League. We expected a real challenge.

"But, in fairness to the players, once we had scored, if they had taken one or two of their chances, I think we would have won quite comfortably."